Wadena experienced a significant rise in narcotics, driving under the influence and disorderly conduct offenses even as crime fell by nearly 100 offenses in 2003. Wadena Police Chief Bruce Uselman attributed the rise from 35 disorderly conduct offenses in 2002 to 63 in 2003 to meth use.

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 Pizza Ranch adds 125 seats

The Pizza Ranch in Wadena added 125 seats when it expanded into the old Maurice's building. The clothing store closed in January.

10 years ago

Excerpts from the May 20, 1999 Pioneer Journal

 Pamida sold to ShopKo

Pamida's sale to ShopKo, a Wisconsin-based company, the week before was announced. Store manager Bob Dreger said he had heard rumors of a sale but even he didn't know it was going to happen. Shopko purchased Pamida Holdings Corp for about $110 million and assumed the chain's $265 million in debt.

 STDs rise after Viagra

Public Health officials reported that even in Wadena County there was an increase in sexually transmitted diseases among the aging population since the availability of Viagra.

25 years ago

Excerpts from the May 22, 1984 Pioneer Journal

 Ground breaking for library

A ground-breaking ceremony was held May 15 for the construction of a new $370,000 Wadena city library. The library board worked for 25 years to get a new library, said Caroline Reichelt, the board's president.

 Two die in car-train accident

Wendell James Walz, 23, of Staples and Annette Marie Goeden, 18, of Wadena were pronounced dead at the scene after a westbound train struck the car they were in when it apparently stalled while they were headed northbound on County Road 107 across the Burlington Northern Railroad tracks at approximately 9:30 a.m. on Saturday.

40 years ago

Excerpts from the May 22, 1969 Pioneer Journal

 Berg and Boyd win school board race

Incumbent Russell Berg and Dr. Robert Boyd were the winners in Tuesday's school board election for Independent School Dist. 819. Berg had 400 votes, Dr. Boyd 335 and R.K. (Toby) Pierce had 205.

 Students hold poverty march

Seventy Wadena high school students tramped 25 miles to Otter Tail Lake to raise funds for the needy. Jane Riese, a senior and march organizer, said more than $1,200 would be realized from the venture.

60 years ago

Excerpts from the May 19, 1949 Pioneer Journal

 Valedictorian and salutatorian named

Rachel Odland was named valedictorian and Joean Bernauer was named salutatorian for the 1940 senior class. Both girls had B-plus averages and took difficult courses in math and science.

 Neighbors help save farm home

Prompt action on the part of neighbors who did a wonderful job carrying water to the tank of the fire department's truck helped save a dwelling that was ablaze Monday on the Richard A. Pauna farm 10 miles southwest of Menahga.